INCLUSIVE
TEACHING
CHAPTER EIGHT Make Environmental Accommodations and Use Assistive Technology
The internet provides a valuable source to explore issues related to segregation and inclusion, people with disabilities in school and society, and inclusive teaching. Following are some sites you may find interesting and valuable.
Back Pack
Closing The Gap: Computer Technology in Special Education and Rehabilitation Computers are tools that can provide solutions to many problems facing people with disabilities today. Closing The Gap focuses on computer technology for people with special needs.
The National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) seeks to foster innovation in use of technology to support individuals with disabilities.
Other Key assistive technology sites
Ablenet. A vendor of assistive technology resources.
Alliance for Technology Access - ATA Network of community-based resource centers, developers, vendors, affiliates and associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities.
The Center for Applied Special Technology - CAST CAST iuses technology to expand opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities. Click on the "site map" to access dozens of links to CAST, Universal Design, National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum and more.
The Center for Universal Design. National center taht develops and promotes universal design in housing, public facilities, outdoor environments, and products.
Family Guide to Assistive Technology. A great introduction and overview of assistive technology with many links to resources.
Inclusive Technology. A great site from the United Kingdom.
The National Center to Improve Practice A federally funded center to improve practices through technology, media, and materials. Many useful resources.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Augmentative Communication, Inc. An organizations that provides resources and materials on AAC.
The Facilitated Communication Institute at Syracuse University provides many resources related to understanding this strategy.
Adapted computer access
Voice to text software programs include: Dragon NaturallySpeaking for Windows and for the Mac - MacSpeech’s Dictate and ViaVoice.
Text to speech software: ReadPlease and Natural Readers for Windows and for the Mac- TextSpeech Pro and GhostReader.
Enhancing interdisciplinary instruction. Describes practical strategies for using assistive technology in thematic instruction of students with and without disabilities.
Speaking to Write. This site provides information and resources on use of speech recognition for secondary students with disabilities.
Artwork reprinted by permission of
Martha Perske from PERSKE:
PENCIL PORTRAITS 1971-1990
Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998.